Nigeria: Health officials tighten coronavirus-related restrictions for all inbound travelers as of Jan. 11 /update 29

Health officials in Nigeria tighten coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Jan. 11. Quarantine required for international arrivals.

Event

Following the recent identification of a new variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), health officials in Nigeria have imposed additional restrictions on international travelers entering the country. Effective Jan. 11, prior to boarding their flights, all inbound passengers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours prior to boarding at the first point of departure. All passengers must also register online at the Nigeria International Travel Portal, following all instructions and meeting all requirements specified on that site; these include filling out a health questionnaire, providing in-country contact information, uploading COVID test results, and paying processing fees, among other things.

At the airport gate, any passenger exhibiting a body temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) will not be allowed to board their aircraft. All travelers arriving in Nigeria must self-isolate at their reported in-country accommodations or residence for at least seven days and take a second PCR test on day seven of their stay. Persons testing negative will be released from their quarantine; those who test positive will be processed according to Nigeria's national guidelines for COVID-19 treatment.

Aside from the new entry regulations, international commercial flights are operating, albeit only through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja. Carriers from certain countries may face restrictions on entering Nigeria as part of a reciprocal ban on commercial flights from countries that do not accept Nigeria's flights or where Nigerians face entry restrictions. Four land border crossings at Seme, Illela, Maigatari, and Mfun have reopened, but it remains unclear if passenger travel is allowed through these points or when other border crossings may reopen.

With regard to domestic measures, bars, nightclubs, event centers, and recreation venues are closed. All restaurants are also closed, except for carryout and delivery services. A nationwide 0001-0400 curfew remains in place. Outdoor sporting activities are allowed; public gatherings remain restricted. Gatherings in enclosed spaces are limited to 50 people with adequate social-distancing measures and the use of facemasks. Civil servants have also returned to working on-site at public offices. Domestic flights and interstate travel have resumed throughout the country. Some academic activities have also restarted. Public transport systems are required to limit their capacity to 50 percent. Several states have also enacted strict state-level restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Reconfirm travel plans. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying traveling to Nigeria until officials lift restrictions. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Reconfirm all flights before departure.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.